ABSTRACT
Background: Impact of social isolation associated with the COVID-19 pandemic on the severity and frequency of cardiac symptoms has not been well investigated. Material and methods: This was a single tertiary center cohort study of inpatients admitted with a primary diagnosis of either CHF or acute myocardial infarction. Each patient rated the extent of isolation related to the pandemic and severity and frequency of symptoms during an in-person interview. Results: The study cohort included 54 patients, 48.1% females (26 of 54), 70.2+/-13.5 years old, who reported moderate or severe isolation in 57% (31 of 54). Symptom severity worsening was reported in 48% (26 of 54) of patients and was more common in socially isolated patients (74 vs. 29%, p=0.001;17 of 23 vs. 9 of 31). Symptom frequency increase was reported in 43% (24 of 54) and was also more common in socially isolated patients (61 vs. 33%, p=0.036;14 of 23 vs. 10 of 31). There was no difference in mortality between the two groups (p=0.6971). There was a trend of increased hospitalizations, on average, among patients who reported drastic isolation than patients who maintained social contacts (0.826+/-1.614 vs. 0.484+/-0.996 admissions, p=0.349). These findings were not affected by the diagnosis (CHF vs. MI), age, gender, race, and co-morbidities including HTN, DM, atril fibrillation, COPD or asthma, and/or chronic renal insufficiency. Likewise, there was no association between symptom worsening and GDT utilization including beta-blockers, RAAS inhibitors, MRA, anticoagulants, ICD or PPM placement. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that independent of age, gender, race, LVEF, recorded comorbidities, and recorded active therapeutics, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant cardiac symptom increase in patients who reported social isolation. Interventions aimed at reducing social isolation require investigation and implementation.